Everyone says it- Know Thyself, but have you ever really tried to figure out who you are?

Sit quietly for one moment and think about this. . .

What are your roles?

What is your job title?

What do you call yourself?

How do you introduce yourself to someone else?

Roles: Daughter/Son ____Church/Temple Member __ Employee ____Parent____Student______ Employer_____ Aunt/Uncle____ Grandparent_______Coach ____Entrepreneur____

Job Titles:

Do you think of yourself as a writer, a consultant, a teacher, a mentor? Maybe, all three. Narrow down what you are and what you want your clients to see you as; your particular brand.

Do you have a set job title in your current work, or have you simply created a job title for yourself? If you are an entrepreneur, are you the President of your company, the CEO of the Senior Consultant? Do you see yourself in any of these positions. If not, you are not ready to embark on this job title. You must work toward achievement in any of these areas.

Perhaps you have not even thought of a job title for yourself…if not, why not?

What is stopping you? Write this down! Look at it daily.

What do you call yourself?

In your own mind, what do you call yourself? What is your role, job, title or rank? When did you start thinking of yourself that way? What events brought you to that concept?

How do you introduce yourself?

When you meet someone for the first time how do you introduce yourself? If asked what you do, how do you describe it? Write a one paragraph description of who you are. This is known as your “30 second commercial.” You must know and be clear about who you are and what you do. Communication of this is key to any business.

Once you have done this, look through your description and read it carefully. Think about someone you admire who fits the general description you have created for yourself. If you were to describe this person, what different words would you use and why? Write a few of these words down now.

Why do these words not describe you? In other words, what can you do differently to be like the person you admire?

Writen by Dr. Joyce Knudsen, CEO/President of The ImageMaker, Inc.® For more information, please visit www.imagemaker1.com or www.businesspresentationsplus.com

To My Readers:This article is written by Tanya Knight
The Education Coach

Preparing for college is a goal that both you and your child need to work towards. It’s vital that you take an active role during this process, to ensure your child succeeds! College life presents a number of new challenges for the high school graduate becoming a new college freshman. Not only will your child be living on their own for the first time, in most cases, but they are also responsible for managing their own time and finances. At the same time, college entrance is not always a step-by-step process and students and parents must determine the steps they need to take as they go.

If you have been asking yourself, What steps should I take next to help my child move forward?, here are 10 ways to successfully prepare your child for college:

1. Determine What Type of Education Your Child Want: Students attending college should first determine what type of education they want. The types of jobs that are available will determine which college your child chooses to attend. There are two basic types of colleges that are available, these include:

•Community, Technical and Junior Colleges
• Four-year Colleges and Universities

If your child have a career in mind, be certain to research the exact course requirements that they will need to prepare for within high school as well as early in college. In addition, your child will also need to research the type of education that their chosen career will require so that they can select the appropriate type of college to attend.

2. Prepare for College Academically: While your child is still in junior high and high school, it’s time to begin thinking about college and how they can prepare academically. There are numerous ways they can begin preparing early in their high school career and these include taking college-level courses and standardized tests as early as possible.

3. Selecting Colleges Successfully: The type of college your child chooses is a personal decision that is based on their individual needs and talents. When selecting colleges, it’s important that you and your child consider the following questions:

•Why do you want to go to college?
•What do you hope to achieve by going to college?
•Do you have an idea of a career you would like to prepare for?
•Do you want to stay near home, in the same state or move to a different state?
•Do you have a preference of environment, such as urban, suburban or rural?
•Would you be happier in a small college or large university?
4. Prepare for College Financially: There are several costs that are combined to create the final cost of college for a semester. These include:
•Tuition
•Fees
•Other course expenses

There are several ways that you can prepare for college and the first one begins by saving money as early as possible. There are several savings accounts that offer tax benefits that parents can begin early in a child’s life. These include 529 College Savings Plans and many states have these available. It is also a necessity that you begin searching for scholarships that your child can apply for as soon as possible.
The FAFSA is a very important part of preparing financially for college. The FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be filed online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. The FAFSA requires that you and your child have your taxes prepared as early as possible. You can begin submitting your FAFSA January 1st and the deadline is June 30th.

5. Setup A Long-Term Plan and College Checklist: By preparing for college as early as possible, you and your child should be able to set up some long-term milestones that they need to meet as they proceed through the college preparation process.

6. Apply For Colleges Effectively: Once you all narrowed down the college or colleges that you are going to apply to, you need to begin gathering some information that they will require. Applying for college is easy if you fill out your forms correctly, turn them in on time and provide them with the necessary documentation. When you apply for college you’ll need to send several items with your application, including:

1.Official High School Transcript
2.Application Fee
3.College Admissions Test Scores
4.AP Exam Scores
5.Letters of Recommendation
7. What Your Child Needs For College: If your child is going to live on campus, which is something most four year colleges and universities require for your freshmen year, they will need to bring a list of important items along with them. Here’s a list of commonly needed items by first time freshmen:
•TV
•DVD player
•Microwave
•Refrigerator (small combo unit)
•Camera
•Radio/iPod/MP3 player
•Cell phone
•Computer, preferably a laptop if possible with a printer
•3 prong extension cords and power strips
•Desk lamp
•Alarm clock
•Laundry bag, basket, soap and some rolls of quarters
•Weather specific clothing.
•Umbrella, raincoat, jacket, shoes, etc.
•First aid kit with pain relievers
•Your health insurance information
•Iron and small ironing board
•Bedding
•Backpack
•Bike with a good bike lock
8. Financial Literacy: Teaching your child how to manage their money and set a budget early in high school is important. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get your child a checking account and teach them how to make smart financial decisions. Students should also be taught about credit card debt early. If your student must have a credit card, it is vitally important that you teach them to pay off the card each month and to only use it in emergency situations.

9. Register for College: Finally, the day has come! Your child selecting which courses they want to take at their new college. First and foremost, you all will most likely need to meet with a college advisor. They will be able to guide your child as to which courses they should begin with their freshmen year. Your first semester may also be a mix of the basics that everyone has to take as well as certain courses required for your degree.

10. Developing a Graduation Plan: The most important thing once your child enters college for the first time is to prepare a 4 year graduation plan. This will ensure that they remain on track to graduation within that 4 year time period. This graduation plan should include both their short and long term goals-for college and beyond graduation.

Following these simple steps, you will be able to prepare your child for college and set them up for success, not only financially but also teach them the life skills they will need for when they are on their own at college.

About the author: As America’s Education Coach, Tanya Knight is a skilled advocate for the importance of higher education. The acclaimed author of Who Says You Can’t Go to College?, she is also an engaging public speaker and personal mentor.
A graduate of Columbia College, Tanya also holds an MBA in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education Leadership with a focus on retention.

Tanya’s diverse client list includes high school students, adult learners, school districts, colleges, universities and Fortune 500 corporations. Each and every client receives personalized services that draw on Tanya’s extensive experience working in the fields of education and human service for more than 10 years.

Tanya’s flagship organization, Tanya Knight International, maintains the web’s one-stop education resource center at www.theeducationcoach.com.

Printed with permission of Tanya Knight, America’s Education Coach. All Rights Reserved.

“Tweed” can define a broad range of options. Tweed is a type of woolen fabric, and it can be constructed with a plain texture or a visible weave like twill (narrow diagonals) or herringbone. Colors also vary widely, but the fabric’s durability and water resistance have made it part of a gentleman’s practical wardrobe for centuries. Your wardrobe needs at least one good sport coat in a well-made tweed.

The manufacture and tradition of tweed comes from the British Isles, and many of the best makers are still there. Scotland’s Harris Tweed is overseen by a private governing body (the Harris Tweed Authority) that holds manufacturers to extremely specific standards, as does County Donegal of Ireland. Both cultures have traditional color schemes associated with the local dyes, originally made from berries, lichens, and even animal products.

Antonio Centeno
Founder, www.ATailoredSuit.com
Antonio@ATailoredSuit.com

Your tweed jacket is going to be a functional piece of clothing, so choose it with the durability of the material and the fit of the coat as your primary considerations. A good tweed should be on the heavier end of wool jackets, with a sturdy inner lining. Choose a fit that doesn’t hang off the shoulders (nothing looks worse than a shoulder seam down on the bicep) but leaves room for a turtleneck or a sweater beneath.

If you buy from a traditional manufacturer or tailor you’ll likely also have your choice of classic British decorations. Leather elbow patches are as iconic as it gets. Pockets will also usually have flaps, and may even be “accordion” style, where the sides and front of the pocket are entirely exterior and the jacket itself forms the back of the pocket. Big leather or horn buttons complete the British country style — you can, of course, choose to avoid all of these and wear a very simple, stripped-down tweed coat; the options are simply there if you like the rural affect.

Wearing the Tweed Jacket

You’ll want to keep the tweed jacket handy most of the year round, usually from fall through spring in temperate climates. It works as an outer layer in cool or wet weather, and beneath an overcoat in the winter.

Tweed pairs with very casual or somewhat dressy styles but is rarely seen in business attire. A pair of wool slacks will make you warm and waterproof from head to toe, perfect for a day outside in cooler weather. With khakis or blue jeans it becomes a less rugged style good for social occasions in the city. A dress shirt and necktie make an office-casual or professorial look (try a bow tie to really take the academic look all the way), while a knit sweater is pure English countryside.

Role in Your Wardrobe

A tweed jacket does two things well: it keeps you comfortable and warm in outdoor settings and it keeps the basic pleasing shape of a suit coat without looking formal or forced. Pull it out as a good alternative to sweaters when you want a warm outer layer but want to look a bit fancier — or pair it with a sweater for real warmth in the winter.

Your tweed jacket works in enough settings that it’s hard to overstate its function in your wardrobe. Put it on whenever you feel like a jacket and it’s not the heat of summer. As long as you’re not going to a very serious business function you’ll probably be comfortably within the dress code.

HOW TO GET THE VISON YOU NEED TO SUCCEED.

All successful people have a vision. Without a future vision, it is very difficult to work in the present. You can easily recognize the people without vision – they’re mostly sad, they do not like their job or just are not happy. People who pursue their dreams are excited, and filled with enthusiasm.

Vision should be totally clear. By using your imagination, your vision should become a part of you,and integrate into your subconscious mind.

Good Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. What are your relationships in your family?
2. How much money would you like to earn? If you learn, you will earn.
3. In what way do you like to earn your money? You need to feel an inner desire to some thing you truly want to do
4. What is your vision for yourself?

You set the limits in your life. Have the courage to “listen, but not take the advice of nay sayers. 1This vision, sub-consciously enters your mind and integrates within you.

BIG goals can motivate you. The same refers to vision; vision with an action attached to it! Goals or visions will “stay in your mind” until you ‘let this out’ and perform an action.

WHAT TO DO:Create a Vision Circle to include many areas. Fill in your own! Some are Career, Money, Physical, Personal Growth, Health, Friends/Family, Romance, Fun and Recreational.

What is missing? 3 things we often do:

1) Deny things we want
2) Tolerate things that don’t work
3) Not giving time for things in life that need attn.

We have learned that success is measured by money. We succeed by growing. Money comes after!

We must stop living in fear. Decide what we want out of our life.

We must get rid of our “inner critic” (could have a whole committee) Also known as Monkey Mind. This is the way they think!

• Only one or two choices or no choice at all.
• Black and white or either/or thinking
• Decision making based on fear
• I should or I have to versus I want to
• Acceptance that this is the way the world is
• Breathing is constricted, chest tight.

Exercise: Stand up: “I should…..” Then I want.” You will be neutralizing your inner critic. Begin by noticing, observing – Choose a perspective, make a choice, notice our story, have fun, use intuition, honor your values. Get facts – consult a trusted friend

Give your inner critic a name – the sabotager.

• Identify and eliminate energy drainers.
• Give up always giving – if this is a should or an obligation.
• Understand wants vs. should (Stop shoulding yourself and others).
• Know at least 5 out of balance signals.

Exercise: Identify 5 things that drain you in order of importance. (See positioning for success to incorporate this.

For energy drain, either eliminate it if you can, handle it, accept it. Energy drains affect your health (business and personal).

FOR TRAINING: View the perspective wheel and see the change in each perspective. Ask for 2 volunteers who have some issue. Ask group to help with suggestions. Put the person in one of four gradrants. How do they feel? “I know I’m out of balance when….”

Another perspective – tools to use. How do I feel? Gain clarity. Go to another and believe it and feel good about doing exercise.

-Expert Author on Ezine: Dr. Joyce Knudsen, AICI CIM

Which is more important: Competition or Collaboration?

For years, I’ve been wondering why so many people feel that helping their competition Is a bad thing and holds negative for them. People seem to cringe at the idea that other people are out there trying to do the thing you’re trying to do? Some are even copying your work! BUT, I love competition, for competition makes me work harder to be better and stronger.

You may feel fear that other people are starting the same kind of business. Many are. Instead of dreading the competition, just accept the fear for what it is: an emotion.

There are six billion people in the world and room for competition. My findings are that it is about coming up with a unique idea and giving your idea your own personal expression, so that you connect with some of those other 5,999,999,999 people.

Ask yourself these questions?

-What is the passion for why you are doing this business?

-How do you plan to differentiate yourself from your “competition?”

-Who will be your target market?

-When will you take time to be creative and put YOU into YOUR business?

-Why do you want to work in the subject area you choose?

As an image professional, I am constantly refining and focusing what separates the way I work with clients from the way other people do. For me, it is about the final product as much as it is about the process of arriving at the final destination a lot of people like to work with me because of way I treat them!

-No one else is YOU. People do business with people they like. Make your clients like you!

Fear is good because it reminds you that you probably are not doing everything you can to be your best and creating something unique. Competition is a warning signal and a reminder that you might need to change something to differentiate yourself. Allow any fear to remind you that you need to stay focused on what makes the way you offer your product or service special.

Keep in mind that when one changes from the competitive mindset to the creative, the realization of abundance occurs — and one shifts from competing for what others have, to creating things for oneself (without fear)

Rather than concerning yourself with competition, how about collaboration?

The past way of thinking suggested that Small Business need to worry about competitors. Worrying takes the focus off of the business. By collaborating with competitors the focus remains on the client and business goals. Does there become a point in which we may be in a better place by choosing to work with instead of against another company.

A quote by Arie De Geus says, and I quote,: “The ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.”

Instead of putting your concentration on your competitors, put your concentration on YOU and YOUR business, so that you can be abreast of the latest information in your field of endeavor. Time after time, people call, email, or skype me about ‘what the competition is doing.” My answer is always, “For every minute you concern yourself with that others are doing, that is a minute lost in deciding what you will do to increase business!’

Here are some ways to collaborate with your competition in a win-win matter.

1)Drop them a note telling them how much you enjoy their work.

2)If you see an article they are quoted in, send it to them. This way, you will always keep the door open. Email works because it’s a baseline. Everyone has it.

3)Find out if you can work with them on a project that will benefit both of your companies. Sometimes, two are better than one.

4)Set up a VOIP Connection with Skype. Discussing topics in your industry could be just what both competitors need.

By choosing collaboration over competition, we all win by helping each other to become stronger and more independant.

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.Some people think just because they are behind the computer, etiquette rules do not apply. But, online image and etiquette are just as important and may make a huge difference with how you build and nurture relationships.

The Internet can be one of the most ambiguous channels of communication. However, it is also one of the fastest and greatest ways to communicate. Nowadays, many of us find it hard to survive without email or social networking sites.

Networking online is an art; building mutually long term relationships requires the same quality of professional courtesy and dual respect as any other means of communication. Inner wellness can be expressed in many forms through social networking sites and email.

Netiquette is a code of ethics for the Internet. Unlike the code of professional conduct of accountants, lawyers or doctors, which is supported by legislation, the code of conduct for the Internet requires high levels of self discipline that is ultimately dependent upon our inner quality. When no one can see what we are doing, what else do we have, but our soul, to keep our decorous behavior?

The suggestions below are a basis of good universal code of conduct for email and online networking:

Email

- Never contain too much personal opinion, emotional elements, cartoons, slogans or jokes when sending formal business email.

- Learn to use the emoticon chart (below) as they are all appropriate for informal business emails to keep us up to date:

:> or :-> = Devilish grin
:] or :-] = Friendly
or = Frowning
:/ or :-/ = Frustrated
or = Smiling
:O or :-O = Surprised
or = Winking
:} or :-} = Wry smile

- Do not show a humorous character that may be offensive to others as we have no way to support our humor with proper body language or to see if our message is being interpreted correctly. Even self depreciating humor could cause others to see you as a low esteemed person.
- When forwarding appropriate jokes to co-workers or friends, do not send them too often. Also, be careful of sending attachments with huge file sizes.

- Forwarding should not be sent to everyone in your address book. One good principle to remember is that no one has the ability to stop the mail delivery once you click “Send.” So, make sure you choose wisely before sending a forwarded email.

- It could be rude to use BCC on personal or family emails. “Season greetings” messages or e-cards for special events should be sent individually. For some people, the CC function is marginally acceptable.

- Do not forward any unverified warning or urgent assistance to others. Experts claim that currently there is no way for anyone to count the number of copies of an email in circulation on the Internet; nor can the number of times something has been forwarded be counted.

- Keep flaming at a minimum. Flaming stands for deluge of critical e-mail, the directing of a large volume of abusive and insulting email at somebody, often as part of a flame war.

However, flaming also describes a situation in which a person or group of people express their criticism or negativity about something. It could be news, current affairs or world events. When a flaming is directed toward a country, a race, group of people, a person and his/her beliefs, prejudice and offensive elements are hard to avoid.

This kind of flaming should be minimized as much as possible. Unnecessary confrontation is a target of avoidance on the Web. When you find that you are inevitably involved in flaming, notify your readers and maintain your objectivity. A professional individual maintains their professionalism, even when he has to fight or confront it.

Social Networking and Online Forums

You do not have to travel to meet interesting people from different places of the world because now, we have Facebook and other social networking sites. There is nothing more fascinating than talking with interesting friends from around the world or joining insightful forums without having to pay entrance fees.

However, it pays to remember some basic rules to remember when talking to your global friends:

- Netiquette itself has no legislative standards at the moment and is different in other countries. Do not expect everyone in your discussion group to follow the same rules. Stay positive and keep an open mind.

- While you are free to express your opinions, do not expect everyone to agree with you or to share your beliefs.

- Never jump to conclusions, especially when you join a forum that is in the middle of a discussion. In such situations, be patient to observe and catch up in the discussion– before posting any comments.

- When posting your point of view, be sure that it is a constructive and informed one. Sending premature messages gives people negative feelings and may even lead to flaming. It is very immature to be discussing something that you know nothing about.

- Utilizing FAQ is a good way to avoid asking stupid questions. In reality, more than 85% of your questions are answered by the preset FAQ.

- Finally, remember that you are actually talking to human beings. Your computer is no more than a tool to communicate; it is a tool of technology and limitation at the same time.

In conclusion, email and social sites are here to stay. Every day, there seems to be something new “popping up” for us to decide to join. So, we always have to remember to maintain a professional image and practice common etiquette rules anywhere we decide to network.

Do you have any other suggestions for online networking and communicating? How about any stories to share or comments to make about maintaining a professional image online?

Since 1985, Dr. Joyce Knudsen, AICI CIM (Certified Image Master) has been President of The ImageMaker, Inc.® and has been an International Trainer, Author, and Mentor. For more information, go to www.imagemaker1.com. You can also read inside her new book here: http://amzn.to/a92p7V

In order to be successful in life, we need to be emotionally well, physically fit, and spiritually sound. Whether you are a student, young adult, homemaker, secretary, teacher, sales executive, trainee, clerk, or factory worker, this self-help book can be your daily guide to looking and feeling good about yourself.

It is a misconception to think that only people in certain positions or social situations need to look good. Many people walk around feeling unsure of who they are and probably feel that they are alone in these feelings. This simply is not true. We are all unsure of ourselves. Childhood experiences, peers, school, environment and family influenced our thinking over the years.

If we get positive acceptance from the things we do, we develop self-confidence in these areas. If we get negative feedback from the things we do, we develop a lack of self-confidence in these areas. If you acquire self-acceptance within yourself, you will have the ability to accept others; if you feel self-rejection within yourself, you will not be able to accept others. Self-acceptance thus equals acceptance of others, whereas self-rejection equals rejection of others.

Looking good on the outside is what makes people want to look inside to see what you are all about. The outside ”shell” is the packaging for what lies within. The tongue can be untruthful, but the body acts with instinct. No matter how confident or sure of yourself you try to appear, you will always project how you feel about yourself on the inside. If you do not feel good about yourself physically or mentally, you will not make a good impression. Self- image is an attitude, believing in yourself and in what you can do. You earn self-confidence when you achieve. Here are some elements to consider for a strong development of strong self-image.

1) POSITIVE THINKING
You can control what you say and what you feel. A positive attitude will give you the best opportunity for positive results. One positive thought a day is the beginning of an attitude that will continue to keep you moving in a strong upward direction.

2) SELF-BELIEF
We are unique and need to do what we feel is right, no matter how someone else feels about it. We have power over ourselves and do not need to let words or opinions of other people change the way we feel about ourselves. If you do what someone else wants you to do, you are not being yourself. Of course, in business, there are times when you may want to compromise. However, it is okay to be assertive, not aggressive, and say what you feel. Many times, if you do not say anything, the situation can get worse. In normal circumstances, the problem is not as difficult as you originally thought!

3) FORTITUDE
Reach for what you want and get what you want. It is within your power to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Many famous historians, authors, believed in who they are, set a goal, and had the fortitude to persist. Thomas Edison, a dunce until he was ten, tried endlessly to invent the light bulb and did not give up. Although Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record of lifetime home runs, he struck out 1383 times. You can do what you want to do as well.

4) PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Each of us has a mental picture of ourselves–a self-image–which controls much of how we act and think. To find life reasonably satisfying, you need a self-image that you can live with. You must be acceptable to yourself before you can be acceptable to others. Trust and believe in the self you are. You can begin to do this by following these steps:

•Develop your strengths. Make a list of all the things you are good at and read these daily. You were born with unlimited potential. Happiness and success are a choice, an attitude, and always up to you.

•Know what you are capable of doing. What have you not done that you could be doing? According to William James, the average person uses only ten percent of their potential. Expand your dreams. Dreams make plans come true.

•Write down what you want to achieve. Unless you make the choice, decide you want it, and visually look at it on paper, chances are you will not achieve your goal. If you “look’ at your dream and work toward it, there is no doubt that you can do it. Of course, you must be realistic in what you set forth to do.

•See yourself doing it! If someone tells you that you could not do something, it is difficult to erase past programming. However, if you take a picture, either in your mind or an actual photograph of what you want to achieve, you are on your way to getting there.

•Create a new person beginning right now. If you put yourself in the frame of mind that you have already made achievements, you are almost there. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-confident people do positive things and earn self-confidence in the process. They have a clear sense of who they are and what they want. They are achievers and a successful in life.

Looking your best through hairstyles, skin care and fashion is essential to building a strong self-esteem and
confidence.

Looking your best makes you feel good, and when you feel good, you can accomplish more. However, deeper than your outside appearance is your inner soul– the innermost part of you that must feel good. Your body will function at its best if you have your internal and external image in balance.

The goal of this book is to give you a sense of knowing who you are and how you present yourself to the world. We are judged so much on what we do not say—our non-verbal communication.

You will now have a guide to what others are deciding about you, based on the way you choose to look. While in the business world, external image is important, we felt it necessary to bring in the inner self.

A business professional will get so much further ahead if that professional understands image, because people will see that you care about yourself and about them. This book is a “must-read” for first impressions. Your internal image will always come through.

“It is no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.” Dr. Joyce Brothers

“Within you right now lies the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.” Maxwell Maltz

As a man thinketh, he becomes.- The Bible

“You cannot control circumstances, but you can control your own thoughts.” Charles Pepplestown

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Eleanor Roosevelt

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

Reach for and get what you are after.

Feeling good from the inside will shine through on the outside. Your body will function at its best, and your skin will glow. Most of all, you will experience the wonderful feeling of being whole, from the inside out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6358040

WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION QUOTIENT
1. Do people often ask you to say something again?

never sometimes often

2. Have you made it a habit to ask someone to “paraphrase” back to you what you have said?

never sometimes often

3. If you do not understand something someone has said, do you ask for clarification or just pretend you hear them correctly?

never sometimes often

4. While in a conversation, do you find it difficult to keep your feelings to yourself?

never sometimes often

5. When somone else has a different view from you (Democrat/Republican) can you beobjective and see their viewpoint?

never sometimes often

6. Do you understand what most people are telling you?

never sometimes often

7. Do you interrupt when you feel you have something relevant to add to the conversation?

never sometimes often

8. Do you observe the nonverbal communication while talking to someone?

never sometimes often

9. Do you tend to “finish peoples sentences” or thoughts?

never sometimes often

10. Do you “hide” your inner feelings when talking to someone and tend not to disclose yourself?

never sometimes often

11. Can you admit it when you know you are wrong?

never sometimes often

12. Do you apologize if you can see that you hurt someones feelings?

never sometimes often

13. Do you tend to get defensive?

never sometimes often

14. Do you “jump to conclusions?”

never sometimes often

15. Do you put yourself in the “other persons shoes?”

never sometimes often

16. Do you raise your voice or has someone told you “ I can hear you?”

never sometimes often

17. Do you tend to “fill in” other peoples words?

never sometimes often

18. Do you tend to dominate the conversation?

never sometimes often

19. Do you feel that people may be intimidated by you

never sometimes often

20. Are you really interested in what other people say?

never sometimes often

21. Do you talk about someones actions or are you directly criticizing them?

never sometimes often

22. Can you confront someone who has hurt your feelings?

never sometimes often

Self Evaluation Try to compare you honest answers with the following answers:
1. Never
2. Never
3. Often
4. Never
5. Never
6. Often
7. Often
8. Often
9. Often
10. Never or Sometimes
11. Never or Sometimes
12. Often
13. Often
14. Never or Sometimes
15. Never
16. Often
17. Often
18. Never
19. Never
20. Never or Sometimes
21. Often
22. Never
23. Often

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As a Senior Citizen, I’m told, “You can’t wear this.” “You can’t do that.” Why not? Who write those rules? I do not follow them! I am an individual and not a number. Let’s talk!

It depends on the senior. If a senior still looks good, she/he can be fashionable. We can exercise, have a positive life outlook and have longer hair! You can still have a fabulous hairstyle and if your face shape looks good with longer hair, I say, “Go for it.”

Just because you’re 65, you don’t have to move into a short hairstyle with your Social Security check. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face.

When you reach the young age of 40 or 50, you are not doomed to short hair!

If you’re looking for a job or hoping to move up the ladder at this age, you might be competing with younger women. Take years off your look by using hair color and getting a sharp hairstyle that flatters your face shape. Try layers. Piece-y layers around the face are flattering or go one-length with under layers. This will give hair body and looks great dried under.

Hair that is too styled can make you look dated. Even if hair is short, don’t go for a spiky look; instead ask for longer layers. Cut out pictures and bring them to the stylist with you.

A lighter color can take years off your face. Ask your stylist what color works best for your skin tone. Don’t be afraid to try a change. Sometimes a slight variation in a style or how you care for your style is all you need. Or, you might decide that you need a bigger change in order to meet the demands of your current activities. Ease into change gradually. If you decide to cut your shoulder length hair, you can start with “stage one” cut that only takes off a few inches. Then you can continue to have it cut and restyled over a period of months until you reach the length you want.

The key is to find a style that flatters your face and is easy to maintain. If your life has changed over the past few years, maybe your hairstyle should, too. If you are searching for a new hairstyle, look at pictures of yourself – Pull out pictures taken of you over the past ten years. Look for styles and lengths that looked the best. Review pictures and models you find in magazines. Find a look that shows the style you are considering. Take this to a good hairstylist and see if your hair is the type that can carry that style. Remember to talk to your stylist – They understand the texture and behavior of your hair, so they are a key source for suggestions on a new style that will meet your particular needs. Be sure to tell them what length you prefer to stay at.

Remember, you are an expert on yourself; do what is best for YOU.
If you decide to make a change, be sure that your stylist allocates enough time to show you how to handle your new style. Before you leave, you should feel comfortable with all aspects of your new hair routine including knowing what you need in order to style your hair. Ask your stylist to show you the styling products you should use, how much to use and how to apply. Buy them from your stylist or head directly to the store after your appointment and be sure to have your stylist explain what you should do first, what brush you should use and how you should dry the various parts of your style. Practice with your stylist watching and coaching you. Use a hand mirror to watch how your stylist works with the back of your hair.

Perms:
Choose soft curls or body waves if you decide your hair needs a perm. With pin-straight hair, I’ve had perms for over 30 years and having them has never hurt my hair. You just have to choose a stylist who does perms all the time. Perms add body to thinning hair and cover up any areas that start to recede.

Skin Care and MakeupWhat is your skin type?
OILY SKIN—tends to be shiny. You generally see pores and tend to get whiteheads and blackheads.
DRY SKIN—tends to show a dull appearance. The pores are difficult to see and you seldom get whiteheads or blackheads.
NORMAL SKIN—tends to be clear and has no sign of oiliness.
COMBINATION SKIN—The skin is oily in the T zone (forehead, nose and chin) and clear in other areas.

Perform a Tissue Test:
Cut a tissue into 4 pieces. Press one piece against your forehead, chin, nose and cheek. Wait about 10 seconds. If your tissue sticks and is moist, this is an oily section. If it is unchanged, this is an indicator of dry skin.

The skin needs fresh air, daily exercise and lots of water. It needs a balanced diet, daily cleansing and sunscreen. Skin care is vital to health and beauty. Daily living dries out the skin due to pollution, traffic fumes, heat and cold.

The number one enemy of the skin is the sun.

If you compare the back of your arm to the inside, you can see the difference. The following rules apply to a good skin care program.
1.Keep your skin clean. Be sure to remove surface oils, dust, and dirt each morning and evening. Never rub your skin, always pat.
2.Moisturize. Apply to clean, still-damp skin and smooth on with fingers or a cotton sponge. Apply evenly and generously three times a day if possible. Do not forget your neck area.
 
We are all individuals with various allergies and sensitivities. Makeup has several ingredients that may or may not give you a reaction. It is best to try a product and experiment to see which products work for you.

The word “hypo-allergenic” can be misleading. There is no company or lab that purposely produces a product that will cause problems for a consumer. You need to become an expert on yourself to determine what you can and cannot use.

Less is more when it comes to downplaying wrinkles on your face.
Find out the right and wrong way to apply powders and foundation.
Highlight your eyes. Great eye makeup will make eyes “pop” and attract eyes away from the wrinkles on your face. Always keep brows groomed and filled in.

Many women with wrinkles make the mistake of trying to cover them. But a face full of heavy foundation only highlights wrinkles. Instead, try a tinted moisturizer and use only on the parts of your face that need covering up. I recommend a great tinted moisturizer or use Dior’s Air Brush. It’s fantastic!

Do not use Powder. When you were younger, you likely had oilier skin and got used to powdering your entire face. But dewy skin is actually youthful and you should put away your powder (except for the nose and chin). Makeup artists tell me they NEVER use powder on women over 50 unless they’re going to be taped, because powder sits on top of the wrinkles, highlighting them. Instead, use Evian Water and spray moisture on to your face. Choose eye-shadows that are creamy, rather than powder.

For a great video on makeup for adults, go to: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1677-makeup-for-adults-creating-a-flawless-complexion-for-women

For information about makeup classes, email imagemaker@bellsouth.net and go to http://www.imagemaker1.com or call 1-855 Dr Joyce.